The French ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Emmanuelle Blatmann, stated that Nigeria had been France’s first trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
She continued by saying that 75% of French investments in West Africa were made through commerce with Nigeria alone.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the ambassador announced this at a celebration of her country’s National Day at the embassy’s home in Abuja.
Blatmann expressed her gratitude to the embassy’s visitors and partners for attending the national day celebration that evening as she had requested.
“This zeal is also evident in the strength of our business and commercial ties.
She claimed that more than 10,000 Nigerians are employed by more than 100 French enterprises.
“They establish farms, industries, or vocational training facilities and document their activities throughout time.
“I heartily greet this evening’s guests from the French private sector, whose representatives I pay respect to for their spirit of initiative, social engagement, and energy.
“Start-ups and entrepreneurs from our countries are welcome thanks to the recently established French TECH Community in Lagos.”
According to her, with the recent economic measures implemented by President Bola Tinubu, they also hope to witness an influx of new French investors thanks to the establishment of a French Desk within Access Bank.
She continued, “The inauguration of Access Bank’s first branch in Paris also attests to the appeal of France, which has long been the top destination for international investment in Europe.
“We continue to believe that more coordinated efforts and uniform standards are required in an uncertain world.
“France will therefore continue to rally its allies and partners to offer a united front, as it did recently with the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact.”
These are responses to global issues including terrorism, poverty, health, and climate change, all of which have a particularly negative impact on Africa.
“The European Union, France, and Nigeria share many common objectives and the same determination to act in these fights to help build peace, balance, and progress on the continent,” she said.
The ambassador further stated that following the hosting of President Bola Tinubu on his first official overseas trip following his inauguration, France was prepared to cooperate with Nigeria’s new government.
